Central ND News

At the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association Annual Convention, Senator John Hoeven emphasized the importance of enhancing the farm safety net and implementing producer-friendly programs in the upcoming Farm Bill negotiations. As a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has been actively seeking input from North Dakota producers to ensure that the nation's farm policy is strengthened.

"It's important that we've provided certainty to producers by passing an extension of the current Farm Bill, but we have to keep our foot on the gas to pass the strongest legislation possible to ensure good farm policy," said Hoeven. "That means enhancing crop insurance and updating reference prices in the farm safety net. At the same time, we should invest in programs that help producers access new markets. These efforts are all about keeping the farm in the Farm Bill, so our producers can continue providing the highest-quality, lowest-cost food supply in the world."

Hoeven also highlighted the need to address transportation challenges faced by producers and agri-businesses, particularly in terms of reliable rail services. He has been actively working with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and rail companies to resolve rail service disruptions and ensure that producers have access to efficient transportation services.

To gather direct feedback from farmers and ranchers, Hoeven has been organizing meetings between North Dakotans and key officials. These meetings provide an opportunity for local producers to voice their concerns and contribute to the development of the next Farm Bill.

The discussions at the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association Annual Convention highlight Senator Hoeven's commitment to advocating for the agricultural community and ensuring their needs are met in the upcoming Farm Bill negotiations. By prioritizing the enhancement of the farm safety net, updating reference prices, and investing in programs that facilitate access to new markets, Hoeven aims to support North Dakota producers in maintaining their position as providers of the highest-quality and most affordable food supply in the world.